Manuel Viso, physician and science communicator: "If you eat melon at night, it can cause gas and bloating."

Melon or watermelon? That's the question posed by physician and science communicator Manuel Viso in one of his latest viral videos, in which he combines rigorous communication with relatable language. With more than 40,000 followers eagerly awaiting his advice, Viso sought to compare two of the most consumed summer fruits, providing nutritional information, digestive benefits, and interesting facts that many might not know.

“Watermelon is 92% water. You're literally drinking a glass of water with a lot of flavor,” she explains. That high water content makes it an excellent option for hydration during the hotter months, but not so much for nutrition. “From a nutritional standpoint... not so much,” adds Viso, who insists that not everything refreshing is equally nourishing.

Melon , on the other hand, comes out better in the nutritional analysis . According to the doctor, "it has three times more potassium , five times more vitamin C than watermelon, and also more fiber ," making it a " natural supplement with a dessert flavor ." In fact, it's not surprising that many people eat it as a closing ingredient for a summer meal.

However, it's not all positive. Viso warns that melon, especially if it's very ripe and eaten at night, can cause digestive problems . "It can cause a lot of gas and bloating," she says.

Melon is rich in potassium , making it especially beneficial for people with low blood pressure or those who exercise and sweat a lot. It's also a notable source of vitamin C—more than many oranges—and fiber, which is beneficial for bowel movements . But that fiber content, combined with its sugar content and ripeness, can make you feel unwell at certain times of the day.

Eating very ripe melon also promotes fermentation in the stomach. And if eaten before bed, when the digestive system works at a slower pace, this fermentation can result in gas, heaviness , or even reflux in sensitive individuals. Therefore, Viso doesn't prohibit it, but does recommend paying attention to the time of day and the degree of ripeness.

Although it loses in nutritional density to melon, watermelon has its own merits. Its extremely high water content makes it a perfect ally against dehydration , especially for older adults or children who drink little. And it's not just water: it also contains lycopene, the same antioxidant responsible for the red color of tomatoes, which has been linked to cardiovascular and cell protection benefits.

Additionally, its low calorie content and sweet flavor make it an attractive alternative to processed desserts or sugary drinks. However, both watermelon and melon have a high glycemic index , so their consumption should be moderate for people with diabetes or insulin resistance .

For example, he recalls that “ melon with ham is a Spanish classic , but in Italy it has been served with prosciutto for centuries,” and mentions the famous square watermelons from Japan, which are grown in molds and can cost more than 100 euros.